Center for Adoption Policy

Co-sponsored by Harvard Law School and the New York Law School, the Center for Adoption Policy is holding its Ninth Annual Adoption Conference tomorrow at the NY Law School. The theme is “International Adoption: The Evolving Terrain”. I’ve been invited by Harvard Law Professor Betsy Bartholet to join her panel on the topic “Where Do We Go Now”. I’m excited to be a part as I do have a few observations about where international adoption is headed unless we collaboratively instigate significant changes and I have some thoughts on what those changes might entail. I am humbled to be included with those on this and the other 3 panels. Most of the panelists have several initials after their name, a Dr. in front of it, and are well-published. I have a Mr. before my name and my publishing credentials include this blog and my twitter account.

Title Change

I have decided to change my title, although I’m not sure that Gladney’s by-laws allow me to do that. I recently saw a letter signed by one of our stalwart volunteers. After her name, she put “Event Chair” and “Adoptive Mom”. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So from now on, my title will be “President” and “Adoptive Dad”. Better still, the other way around.

State of the City

How refreshing and unusual to hear a political leader say “this is going well; this is not; here are our challenges; by the way, my predecessors did a fine job”. Straightforward, balanced, no blame – this was Mayor Betsy Price’s “State of the City” address (actually Q&A) in Fort Worth yesterday before an audience of 1400 at the Convention Center. Why can our local leaders be statesmanlike, but our national leaders can’t?